This free math tutoring video shows how to easily represent multiplication of numbers in the teens visually. Most children (and adults!) have no understanding of what they are actually doing when they perform the multiplication algorithm. After watching this video and trying it a few times on your own, you should begin to understand what it’s really all about and may even begin to multiply big numbers in your head!

Cuisenaire Rods are an effective tool in developing a conceptual understanding of mathematical topics in children and adults. Our minds remember pictures and color much better than symbols. This is the perfect way to introduce long multiplication.

The activity in this free math tutoring video explains what is happening in the traditional multiplication algorithm. It should be done many times BEFORE the algorithm is introduced in order to aid in full comprehension. This can be done with very young children if they are familiar enough with the rods. You don’t have to wait until 3rd-4th grade – just wait until then to introduce the algorithm!

Formulas and algorithms should always be introduced last, after much play with manipulatives and discussion about what is happening with the numbers. Unfortunately, most schools and teachers skip right to the symbols after a very short period of explanation with manipulatives and many times with no explanation at all!